Keeping drivers safe through pioneering awareness programs

Some truckers can forget that while they are operating a vehicle on the road, they are behind the wheel of a weapon that could tragically alter another's life. Accidents typically occur due to distractions that include cell phone use, speeding or eating. As a result, several advocate groups are attempting to reduce the number of issues in their home states.

Officials in Syracuse, New York, received more than $300,000 in funding from both federal and state governments to implement a new program that utilizes additional law enforcement and the media to promote a message against cell phone use and driving.

Hartford, Connecticut was also granted funds for a similar pilot initiative. The efforts were rewarded with a 57 percent decrease in texting and talking while driving.
David Strickland, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration member, said the results are a great start to understand new ways to enforce stricter regulations on this dangerous habit.

"The success of these pilot programs clearly show that combining strong laws with strong enforcement can bring about a sea change in public attitudes and behavior," he said.
 

Keeping drivers safe through pioneering awareness programs

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011